One-Man Play Takes a Controversial Look at America's Past during the 150th Civil War Anniversary

BEVERLY HILLS, CA—Challenging audiences to look beyond the pages of history books into the gray areas of America’s past, the one-man historical play 'Robert E. Lee - Shades of Gray' will be performed by Drama Critics Circle Award Winning Actor and Playwright Tom Dugan on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from June 11 through June 27, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. at Theatre 40, 241 South Moreno Drive in Beverly Hills, CA, during the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

Set on April 9, 1865, the day Confederate Commander Robert E. Lee is to surrender to U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant, ‘Shades of Gray’ challenges audiences by revealing the Civil War commander was against slavery and repulsed by war.

“When I researched Lee, I saw all the gray areas,” says creator, playwright, and actor Tom Dugan. “I was excited to reveal things about Lee that the general public doesn’t know.”

Having researched for three years to create the drama, Dugan’s play maintains historical accuracy, with help from historians from The Museum of the Confederacy, The Virginia Historical Society and Appomattox Court House.

Mel Johnson, Jr. directs 'Shades of Gray,' with previous directing credits including “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry” (starring Jason Alexander), “The Me Nobody Knows,” and “Oscar to Oscar.” Also an actor, he’s appeared on TV, in films, including Benny the cab driver in “Total Recall,” and in six Broadway shows including “The Lion King” and the title character in “Frederick Douglass – In the Shadow of Slavery,” written by Dugan.

‘Shades of Gray' will be performed June 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27.

For tickets, call (310) 364-3606, $25 each or half-price at the door (if available) for students and members of performing arts unions, with ID.